Train management system

#1. Field

#The present invention pertains to systems for increasing the efficiency of a train of vehicles move, particularly, the present invention pertains to a system for minimizing the time required t load or unload cargo or passengers.

#2. Background

#A better understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the drawing figures wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a train approaching a station;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a train approaching a station showing the last car decoupled from the train;

#A further understanding of the system and method of the present invention may be had by reference to the drawing figures wherein FIG. 1 depicts a train 10 moving along a track 12. If the train 10 is a passenger train, those passengers disembarking at the next oncoming station would be moved into the last car 14 on the train 10. As shown in FIG. 2, when the train 10 gets closer to the station 100 and all disembarking passengers have been moved to the last car 14, the last car 14 is decoupled from the train 10. The remaining portion of the train 10 continues on its way while the decoupled car 14 is directed along a siding or second section of track 16 as shown in FIG. 3. Once the decoupled car 14 is on the siding or adjoining section of track 16, a series of devices for controlling car movement such as linear induction motors 18, located in close proximity to the rails and preferably between the two rails of the track, are used to both decelerate the decoupled car 14 and move it toward a depot or station 100 where the passengers may be unloaded. As shown in FIG. 3, the remaining portion of the train 10 continues on its way, never having had to fully stop. As shown in FIG. 4, the decoupled car 14 is located at the depot or station 100 where the disembarking passengers leave the decoupled car. 14

#The disclosed method and system of the present invention may also be used to couple a loaded car 24 to a moving train 30. As shown in FIG. 5, a single car 24, preferably loaded with passengers or freight, is moved along a siding or adjoining section of track 26, preferably by a series of linear induction motors 28. As shown in FIG. 6, the loaded single car 24 is accelerated to a predetermined speed and then as an oncoming train 30 passes, the single car 24 is moved toward the train 30 by a series of linear induction motors 28 where it is recoupled. Once recoupled, and as shown in FIG. 7, the moving train 30 along with the formerly coupled car 24 continues on its way and may resume normal speed. Proper management of speeds will allow the car being accelerated up to speed away from a station to take the place of the car which was de-coupled from the train to be guided to the station.

#While the system of the present embodiment has been described for use in close proximity to, or preferably between a pair of tracks, it may also be used on monorail systems, bullet, or high-speed train systems and urban rapid transit systems to include subways and elevated rail lines.